Pope autographs Harley for charity

A Harley-Davidson motorbike donated to Pope Francis is to be sold for charity next month, says Bonhams auction house.

The pontiff received the gift in June, when he met and blessed Harley enthusiasts who travelled to Rome to celebrate the US marque's 110th birthday.

The motorbike, a 1.6-litre Dyna Super Glide Custom, will be auctioned in Paris on February 6 in aid of Caritas, a Catholic charity seeking to raise money to renovate its shelter for the homeless at Rome's main railway station. It comes with Francis' signature on its fuel tank, and certificates from Harley-Davidson and the Pope's personal secretary, giving the bike an estimated value of up to €15,000 ($24,400).